US20070178087A1 - Method for Treating Immune Dysfunction by Regulation of CD40 Ligand Expression - Google Patents

Method for Treating Immune Dysfunction by Regulation of CD40 Ligand Expression Download PDF

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US20070178087A1
US20070178087A1 US11/610,920 US61092006A US2007178087A1 US 20070178087 A1 US20070178087 A1 US 20070178087A1 US 61092006 A US61092006 A US 61092006A US 2007178087 A1 US2007178087 A1 US 2007178087A1
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tfeb
tfe3
cells
tdn
cd40l
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Christopher Roman
Chongmin Huan
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Research Foundation of State University of New York
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Priority to PCT/US2006/062111 priority Critical patent/WO2007070856A2/fr
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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K16/00—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies
    • C07K16/18—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from animals or humans
    • C07K16/28—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from animals or humans against receptors, cell surface antigens or cell surface determinants
    • C07K16/2875—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from animals or humans against receptors, cell surface antigens or cell surface determinants against the NGF/TNF superfamily, e.g. CD70, CD95L, CD153, CD154

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  • the present invention relates to immunology and, more particularly, to the treatment of immune dysfunction by the regulation of CD40 ligand (CD40L) expression.
  • CD40L CD40 ligand
  • the immune system is a responsive protection system comprised of cells in bone marrow, the thymus, and the lymphatic system of ducts and nodes, spleen, and blood. Aspects of the immune system include the innate immune response and the adaptive immune response.
  • An innate immune response is nonspecific, and includes, for example, skin, cilia in mucous membranes, tears, saliva, nasal secretions, and phagocytic cells that migrate to infected areas and engulf pathogens.
  • An adaptive immune response is a specific response against an individual antigen, and includes humoral and cellular systems.
  • the humoral system produces antibodies to eliminate pathogens and their products.
  • the cellular system eliminates pathogens that have invaded cells and regulates the body's entire immune response.
  • B cells are specialized white blood cells produced in the bone marrow. Every B cell contains multiple copies of one kind of antibody as a surface receptor for antigen. When the antibody on the surface of a B cell binds to an antigen, the cell can be stimulated to undergo a process called clonal selection. This process includes proliferation and differentiation, where the cells produced make the same antibody, but become memory cells and plasma cells. Memory cells insure that subsequent infections by that particular pathogen receive a quicker and more efficient response. Plasma cells secrete large quantities of the antigen-specific antibody. The antigen-specific antibody forms complexes with free pathogens and their harmful products, inactivating pathogens and stimulating other innate systems including phagocytic cells and complement to eliminate the danger from extracellular fluids.
  • the cellular system responds to cells containing pathogen display antigen fragments on their cell surfaces.
  • Receptors on the surface of CD8 cells cytotoxic T cells
  • CD8 cells must interact with CD4 cells (helper T cells) to regulate destruction of infected cells.
  • CD4 cells regulate other cells of the immune system through secretion of molecules called cytokines.
  • CD4 cells are generally required for the clonal selection of B cells, as described above.
  • CD40 ligand CD40L, also referred to as CD154, and gp39 (glycoprotein of 39 kiloDaltons) is a critical effector molecule expressed mainly by activated CD4+ T cells and is essential for thymus (T)-dependent immunity.
  • Surface CD40L expressed by activated T cells is required to activate B cells and monocytes via CD40 molecules expressed on those cells.
  • IgM hyper immunoglobulin M
  • CD40L expression by T cells is associated with multiple human immunological and inflammatory diseases such as, but not limited to, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
  • CD40L is also expressed by other cells, such as, for example, endothelial cells and platelets, where it is thought to have a role in inflammation and hemostasis.
  • CD40L Given the relationship of CD40L to human disease and the importance of its controlled expression, knowledge of the transcription factors that regulate CD40L expression in vivo is critically important for understanding normal immune regulation. Accordingly, there exists a need for techniques to manipulate CD40L expression as a way of treating human disorders in which such CD40L expression is abnormal, and yet does not suffer from one or more of the problems exhibited by conventional treatment methodologies.
  • Principles of the present invention provide techniques for treating immune dysfunction by regulation of CD40 Ligand expression.
  • a technique treating at least one of an immunological disease and an inflammatory disease in a patient includes the step of suppressing at least one of transcription factor binding to ⁇ enhancer site 3 (TFE3) and transcription factor EB (TFEB) in the patient to thereby suppress CD40L expression.
  • TFE3 and TFEB may be suppressed, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, by blocking the synthesis of at least one of TFE3 and TFEB, and/or by blocking an ability of the TFE3 and TFEB molecules to interact with each other and/or interact (for example, bond) with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
  • TFE3 and TFEB may be suppressed, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, by blocking the synthesis of at least one of TFE3 and TFEB, and/or by blocking an ability of the TFE3 and TFEB molecules to interact with each other and/or interact (for example, bond) with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
  • TDN trans-dominant negative
  • FIG. 1 a depicts an illustrative immunoblot of TFE3 and TFEB in primary CD4+ mouse splenocytes and human Jurkat T cells, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 1 b depicts an illustrative time course of TFE3 and TFEB protein expression in mouse CD4 T cells after TCR stimulation, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 1 c depicts an illustrative analysis of Mitf protein expression in mouse CD4 and human Jurkat T cells before and after stimulation and in mouse thymocytes, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 1 d depicts an illustrative semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase dependent-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay to measure relative abundance of Tcfe3, Tcfeb, and Mitf RNA transcripts in resting and stimulated CD4+ T cells over a time course, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • RT-PCR reverse transcriptase dependent-polymerase chain reaction
  • FIG. 1 e is an illustrative schematic view depicting the E ⁇ P ⁇ -TDN (“E ⁇ ” and “P ⁇ ” refer to the immunoglobulin ⁇ heavy chain intronic enhancer and promoter, respectively) transgene vector used in one or more embodiments of the present invention;
  • FIG. 1 f depicts an illustrative immunoblot of TDN protein in extracts from total bone marrow (BM), total spleen (Spleen) and total thymocytes (Thymus) from trans-dominant negative-transgenic (TDN-Tg) mice (+) but not in the same types of cells isolated from non-transgenic (non-Tg) littermates ( ⁇ ), according to an embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 1 g depicts illustrative flow cytometry histograms of permeabilized lymphocytes from non-Tg and the T cell-specific TDN-Tg mice for intensity of staining with an anti-hemagglutinin (-HA) antibody that detects the TDN protein, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 1 h depicts an illustrative immunoblot of TDN protein present in extracts of purified CD4+ T cells, but not splenic B cells, from TDN-transgenic mice, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIGS. 2 a and 2 b are illustrative graphical views of cell counts and flow cytometry depicting how numbers and a distribution of major B and T cell populations is normal in TDN-transgenic mice, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIGS. 3 a and 3 b are illustrative graphical views using immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry to depict impaired germinal center formation in TDN-transgenic mice, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIGS. 4 a through 4 d are illustrative graphical views of ELISA assays depicting impaired T-dependent, but normal T-independent, humoral responses in TDN-transgenic mice, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 5 a depicts an illustrative flow cytometry demonstrating impaired surface expression of CD40L by TDN-transgenic (TDN) as compared to non-Tg control (wild type (WT)) CD4+ T splenocytes stimulated with monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to CD3 and analyzed at 8 hours, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 5 b depicts an illustrative quantification of flow cytometry histogram data for percent CD4+ T cells positive for CD40L (left) and CD25 (right) after 8 hours of stimulation with various amounts of mAb to CD3 (Anti-CD3), according to an embodiment of the invention
  • FIGS. 5 c and 5 d depict illustrative flow cytometry demonstrating comparable levels of ICOS (inducible Co-stimulator of T cells) and CD28, respectively, by control (wild type (wt)) and TDN-transgenic (TDN) CD4+ splenocytes, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 5 e depicts an illustrative graphical representation of ELISA (enzyme linked immunoadsorbance assay) analyses showing comparable levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) secretion by control (wild type (WT)) and TDN-transgenic (TDN) CD4+ splenocytes, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 5 f depicts an illustrative bar graph showing normal proliferation of TDN-Tg T cells in response to CD3/CD28 stimulation, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 5 g depicts a representative semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis showing that Smad 7 expression is normal in TDN-Tg splenic T cells, according to an embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 5 h depicts an illustration of representative flow cytometry histograms depicting impaired CD40L but normal CD25 expression by TFE3-deficient (Tcfe3 ⁇ / ⁇ ) CD4 T cells infected with a lentivirus that expresses an interfering stem-loop RNA against TFEB, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 5 i depicts an illustrative representation of an immunoblot showing the expected down-regulation of TFEB protein in CD4+ T cells infected with a retrovirus that expresses the interfering stem-loop TFEB RNA in support of the data in FIG. 5 h , according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 5 j depicts an illustrative real-time RT-PCR analysis of ribonucleic acid (RNA) from CD4+ T cells showing reduced abundance of CD40lg transcripts in CD4+ T cells from TDN-transgenic mice relative to non-transgenic littermates at various times after incubation with mAb to CD3 (horizontal axis), according to an embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 6 a depicts an illustrative flow cytometry histogram demonstrating indistinguishable CD40 expression in B cells from non-transgenic and TDN-transgenic mice, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIGS. 6 b and 6 c depict illustrative flow cytometry histograms, demonstrating equivalent expressions of CD86 and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II, respectively, after stimulation of B cells from non-transgenic and TDN-transgenic mice with mAb to CD40, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 6 d depicts an illustrative ELISA measuring immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses to TNP-KLH (Trinitrophenol-keyhole limpet hemocyanin) which shows equivalent responses in non-transgenic and TDN-transgenic mice treated with an agonist mAb to CD40 during immunization, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 7 a depicts an illustrative schematic alignment of promoters for the gene encoding CD40L from humans, mice and rats, showing MiT (the Mitf/TFE family) sites (a subset of E-boxes; “E” refers to “enhancer” boxes from the IgH enhancer) where TFE3 and TFEB bind to and activate the CD40lg and CD40LG promoters, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 7 b depicts an illustrative Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) of a CD40lg promoter fragment by anti-TFE3 and anti-TFEB antibodies, as well as the illustrative controls for the ChIP assays, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 7 c depicts illustrative electrophoretic mobility-shift assays (EMSA) demonstrating the binding of native TFE3 and TFEB proteins present in CD4 T cell extracts to individual MiT sites from the Cd40lg promoter, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 7 d depicts illustrative electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) of nuclear extracts of human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells transfected with control ( ⁇ ), TFE3, or TFFB pFBB expression vectors showing TFE3 and TFEB binding to the MiT sites from the Cd40lg promoter, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 8 a is a bar graph depicting illustrative luciferase assays to measure Cd40lg promoter activity in CD4 T cells from non-Tg and TDN-Tg mice, showing that a CD40lg fragment containing the MiT sites depends on endogenous TFE3 and TFEB to enhance promoter activity, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 8 b is a bar graph depicting illustrative luciferase assays showing the contributions of individual and combinations of MiT sites to Cd40lg promoter activity in non-Tg, TDN-Tg, and Tcfe3 ⁇ / ⁇ CD4 T cells, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 8 c depicts immunological assays that show that native TFE3 and TFEB in CD4 T cells can form heterodimers, an interaction that is blocked by the TDN protein, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 9 a is a bar graph depicting illustrative luciferase assay showing the importance of MiT sites and endogenous TFE3 and TFEB for the human CD40LG and mouse CD40lg promoter activity in human Jurkat T cells, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 9 b is an illustrative graphical view of a flow cytometry histogram depicting how inhibition of TFE3 and TFEB activity by expression of the TDN protein blocks endogenous CD40L induction after activation of human Jurkat T cells but that CD25 induction is not affected, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 10 a depicts a table illustrating oligonucleotides for EMSA in FIGS. 7 , including SEQ. ID NOs: 1-16, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 10 b depicts a table illustrating oligonucleotides for cloning Cd40lg and CD40LG promoters, including SEQ. ID NOs: 17-22, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 10 c depicts a table illustrating oligonucleotides for E-box mutagenesis, including SEQ. ID NOs: 23-30, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 11 a depicts an immunoblot showing that TFE3 and TFEB proteins are expressed in B cells, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 11 b depicts a representative immunoblot showing TDN protein in B cell containing lymphoid organs from B-cell-specific TDN-Tg mice, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 11 c depicts representative flow cytometry histograms showing that the TDN protein is expressed only in B, but not T cells in “B-cell-specific TDN-Tg” mice, according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 11 d depicts representative flow cytometry dot plots showing that major B and T cell populations in these “B cell-specific TDN-Tg” mice are normal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a technique for treating at least one of an immunological disease and an inflammatory disease in a patient, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • One or more embodiments of the present invention meet the above-noted need by providing methods of treating an immune disease in which CD40L expression is abnormal or otherwise drives pathology.
  • the invention in an illustrative embodiment thereof, beneficially exploits an advantageous role of transcription factor binding to immunoglobulin heavy chain ⁇ (IGHM) enhancer ( ⁇ E) site 3 (TFE3) and transcription factor EB (TFEB) in regulating CD40L expression.
  • IGHM immunoglobulin heavy chain ⁇
  • ⁇ E ⁇ E site 3
  • TFEB transcription factor EB
  • One or more embodiments of the present invention teach, for example, that TFE3 and TFEB directly activate CD40L at the transcriptional level in vivo without significantly affecting the synthesis of other activation and effector molecules. Inactivation of TFE3 and TFEB attenuates the induction of CD40L expression on T cells.
  • TFE3 and TFEB are broadly expressed transcription factors related to the transcription factor Mitf. Although they have been linked to cytokine signaling pathways in non-lymphoid cells, their function in T cells is unknown. TFE3-deficient mice are phenotypically normal, whereas TFEB deficiency causes early embryonic death.
  • One or more embodiments of the present invention illustrate that combined inactivity of TFE3 and TFEB in T cells result in a hyper-immunoglobulin M (hyper-IgM) syndrome due to impaired expression of the CD40 ligand gene (Cd40lg) by CD4+ T cells.
  • hyper-IgM hyper-immunoglobulin M
  • CD40lg CD40 ligand gene
  • CD40L expression by T cells is associated with multiple human immunological and inflammatory diseases such as, but not limited to, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
  • CD40L is also expressed by other cells, such as, for example, endothelial cells and platelets, where it is thought to have a role in inflammation and hemostasis.
  • CD40L refers to the protein
  • CD40lg refers to the name of the mouse gene encoding the CD40L protein
  • CD40LG refers to the human gene.
  • TFE3 and TFEB refer to the proteins
  • Tcfe3 and Tcfeb refer to the mouse genes.
  • TFE3 and TFEB bound to multiple cognate sites in the promoter of the gene encoding CD40 ligand, and maximum Cd40lg promoter activity and gene expression required TFE3 or TFEB. Consequently, as illustrated by one or more embodiments of the invention, TFE3 and TFEB are direct, physiological and mutually redundant activators of Cd40lg expression in activated CD4+ T cells critical for T cell-dependent antibody responses.
  • the teachings of one or more embodiments of the present invention relate generally to the regulation of CD40L expression. Control of CD40L expression by T cells is complex and highly regulated, befitting its central role in immune activation and modulation. Although one or more embodiments of the present invention is described herein in the context of T cells and B cells, it is contemplated that the techniques of the invention may be used for controlling CD40L expression by immune cells in general.
  • immune cells as used herein is intended to include (but is not limited to) hematopoietic and endothelial cells.
  • CD40L is rapidly and transiently induced upon stimulation of na ⁇ ve T cells via the T cell receptor (TCR), with surface levels peaking by 6-8 hours and then declining.
  • TCR T cell receptor
  • This profile of TCR-dependent CD40L induction primarily reflects transcriptional activity.
  • CD40L expression can be prolonged and augmented by additional stimulatory input from co-stimulatory and/or accessory molecules such as, but not limited to, CD28, CD2, LFA-1 (lymphocyte-function associated antigen-1), and CD43, and interleukins, such as IL-2, IL-12, and IL-15, via mechanisms that involve enhanced transcription, increased CD40L messenger-RNA (mRNA) stability, or both. Consequently, the overall dynamics of CD40L expression is dependent on TCR stimulatory conditions, activation and/or effector status, developmental stage of the T cell, and age.
  • mRNA messenger-RNA
  • mice engineered to express CD40L via heterologous promoters in T cells have been shown to develop lymphoproliferative disorders and tumors, highlighting the importance of regulated CD40L transcription (see, for example, Brown, M. P. et al., “Thymic lymphoproliferative disease after successful correction of CD40 ligand deficiency by gene transfer in mice,” Nat Med 4, pp. 1253-1260 (1998), and Sacco, M. G. et al., “Lymphoid abnormalities in CD40 ligand transgenic mice suggest the need for tight regulation in gene therapy approaches to hyper immunoglobulin M (IgM) syndrome,” Cancer Gene Ther. 7, pp. 1299-1306 (2000), the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein).
  • IgM hyper immunoglobulin M
  • CD40L induction is dependent on subunits of nuclear factors of activated T-cells (NFAT), a Ca 2+ -dependent transcription factor complex.
  • Additional regulators include subunits of AP-1 (Activator Protein-1) and NFkB (Nuclear Factor that binds to the kappa enhancer B site) and Egr-1 (early growth response-1), which were also shared by other TCR and/or co-stimulator responsive genes, and AKNA.
  • Binding sites for other transcription factors such as, for example, STAT5, GATA-3, Oct-1 subunits, have also been identified (see, for example, Crow, M. K. & Kirou, K. A, “Regulation of CD40 ligand expression in systemic lupus erythematosus,” Curr Opin Rheumatol 13, pp. 361-369 (2001), and Cron, R. Q, “CD154 transcriptional regulation in primary human CD4 T cells,” Immunol Res 27, pp. 185-202 (2003), which are incorporated by reference herein), but their physiological contribution to CD40L transcription is not yet known.
  • other transcription factors such as, for example, STAT5, GATA-3, Oct-1 subunits
  • CD40L Given the relationship of CD40L to human disease and the importance of its controlled expression, knowledge of the transcription factors that regulate CD40L expression in vivo is critically important for understanding normal immune regulation and for designing strategies to manipulate CD40L expression as a way to treat the multiple human disorders in which CD40L expression is abnormal or undesirable.
  • the transcription factors TFE3 and TFEB are demonstrated to be physiological transcription regulators of CD40L expression in T cells.
  • TFE3 is a member of the helix-loop-helix family of transcription factors that binds to the mu-E3 ( ⁇ E3) motif of the immunoglobulin heavy-chain enhancer and is expressed in many cell types.
  • TFEB is a transcription factor with a basic region-DNA binding domain, a helix-loop-helix and leucine zipper dimerization domains, and a nuclear localization signal, thought to be located adjacent to the helix-loop-helix domain. TFEB is ubiquitously expressed.
  • TFE3 and TFEB are closely related members of a functionally interactive DNA binding family known as Mitf/TFE (MiT), that includes the microphthalmia transcription factor Mitf and TFEC (Transcription factor E-box C).
  • MiT proteins bind to so called ⁇ E3 sites, a subset of E-boxes that match a general CANNTG consensus sequence, with those binding to TFE3 in vitro first identified and characterized in immunoglobulin heavy-chain and T cell receptor (TCR) enhancers.
  • TCR immunoglobulin heavy-chain and T cell receptor
  • DNA binding is mediated by nearly identical basic regions (BRs) and requires dimer (either homodimer or heterodimer) formation between MiT family members mediated by conserved helix-loop-helix (HLH) and leucine zipper (LZ) domains.
  • BRs basic regions
  • HHL conserved helix-loop-helix
  • LZ leucine zipper
  • MiT proteins share similar structures and are often expressed together, yet genetic studies have demonstrated both overlapping and non-overlapping functions for MiT proteins in different cell-types.
  • Mitf a well-characterized family member, is expressed mainly in pigment and myeloid cells, where it is involved in melanocyte and mast cell development as a transcription mediator of the c-kit pathway, and is a negative regulator of B cell activation and terminal differentiation.
  • TFE3 and Mitf serve redundant roles in osteoclast development as transcriptional mediators of the macrophage colony-stimulating factor (m-csf) pathway. These functions of Mitf correspond to its cell-type and/or lineage restricted expression pattern.
  • TFEC expression is restricted mainly to the myeloid lineage, but TFEC-deficient mice are phenotypically normal, even though TFEC-deficient macrophages have lower expression of a subset of interleukin 4 (IL-4)-responsive transcripts, including the transcript for granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor.
  • IL-4 interleukin 4
  • TFE3 and TFEB are more broadly expressed, and relatively less is understood about their individual biological functions, primarily because germline TFE3-deficient animals have no reported defects.
  • Studies of cultured non-lymphoid cell lines have indicated that TFE3 facilitates the activation of a subset of genes dependent on transcription factor Smad3 (Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3), in response to transforming growth factor- ⁇ ) (TGF- ⁇ )) including those encoding components of the extracellular matrix and Smad7, a TGF- ⁇ pathway inhibitor.
  • Smad3 transcription factor- ⁇
  • Smad3 transforming growth factor- ⁇
  • Smad7 transforming growth factor- ⁇ pathway inhibitor.
  • Ectopic over-expression of TFE3 in hepatocytes in mice promotes glycogen synthesis.
  • mice deficient in TFE3 are phenotypically normal, with no defects noted in development, reproduction or the immune response.
  • TFEB deficient embryos die early in gestation because of defects in placental vascularization. The function
  • the present invention exploits a central role of TFE3 and TFEB in the immune system via their control of CD40L expression, and thereby provides a beneficial methodology for treating immune dysfunction.
  • immunocytes as used herein is intended to refer to any syndrome in which activity of immunocytes is undesirable, including, but not limited to, leukemia, lymphoma, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, transplant rejection, asthma and other allergic diseases, autoimmune diseases, etc.
  • TFE3 and TFEB are critical for T cell function and humoral immunity through their direct control of CD40L expression. This was demonstrated by expression of the TDN protein in mouse T cells in vivo or in human T cells in culture, which blocked existing TFE3 and TFEB proteins expressed therein, and by de novo inhibition of TFEB protein synthesis via expression of an interfering RNA against TFEB in Tcfe3 ⁇ / ⁇ T cells. TDN expression in mouse T cells in vivo via the E ⁇ P ⁇ transgene resulted in hyper-IgM syndrome caused by defective CD40L expression.
  • CD40L induction is dependent on subunits of NFAT, a calcium-responsive transcription factor complex.
  • Additional regulators include the AT-Hook (“AT-Hook” refers to the AT-rich sequences this type of transcription factor binds to and the shape of the protein itself) transcription factor AKNA and subunits of transcription factors AP-1, NF-kB and Egr-1, which are also shared by other TCR and/or co-stimulator-responsive genes.
  • AT-Hook refers to the AT-rich sequences this type of transcription factor binds to and the shape of the protein itself
  • transcription factor AKNA and subunits of transcription factors AP-1, NF-kB and Egr-1, which are also shared by other TCR and/or co-stimulator-responsive genes.
  • Cd40lg is the only one identified that requires TFE3 or TFEB. That requirement may contribute to the unique expression profile of Cd40lg compared with that of other TCR-responsive genes. Identifying the conditions and pathways that control T
  • TFE3 and TFEB were mutually redundant in controlling Cd40lg transcription, as a combined deficiency in TFE3 and TFEB inhibited TCR-dependent CD40L induction in the primary T cell culture systems, whereas individual deficiencies had a minor or no effect.
  • TFE3 and TFEB have demonstrated physiological functional redundancy between TFE3 and TFEB in vivo, which may be a more general property of these proteins in other cell types.
  • TFE3 and TFEB each have a unique contribution to the activation of Cd40lg.
  • TFEB protein was induced after TCR stimulation of primary cells, most likely through post-transcriptional mechanisms, and TFEB bound to the Cd40lg promoter independently of TFE3.
  • Tcfe3 refers to the gene encoding TFE3 T cells. Consequently, there may be physiological contexts in which TFEB or TFE3 may be more advantageous, such as, for example, for NFAT subunits in T cell subsets or in other cell types expressing CD40L.
  • ⁇ E3 also referred to as “MiT”
  • MiT may include upstream stimulating factor (USF-1) and c-Myc, which are from distinct and non-interactive helix-loop-helix families.
  • USF-1 binds to a promoter target site normally occupied by TFE3 in Tcfe3 ⁇ / ⁇ but not wild-type fibroblasts. It has been suggested that c-Myc can also activate the Cd40lg promoter, but its effect is apparently indirect. Yet regardless of MiT site occupancy, we postulate that the absence of TFE3 and TFEB raises the activation threshold of the Cd40lg promoter by the remaining activators, such as NFAT and AP1.
  • TCR-responsive genes other than Cd40lg, and antibody responses to the thymus-independent antigen.
  • MiT deficiency caused a relatively restricted T cell defect, in contrast to deficiencies in NFAT and NF-B subunits, which can radically affect T cell development, effector function or homeostasis.
  • TFE3 has been directly and indirectly linked to several cytokine signaling pathways that control cell growth and differentiation in non-lymphoid cells, including c-Kit (c-kit is a tyrosine kinase receptor that is mutated in malignancies and is activated by “steel factor,” and is also referred to as the c-kit ligand.
  • c-kit is a tyrosine kinase receptor that is mutated in malignancies and is activated by “steel factor,” and is also referred to as the c-kit ligand.
  • CD117 Another name for c-kit is CD117.
  • C-kit is critical for the development of mast cells and melanocytes
  • transforming growth factor- ⁇ , cell type-specific and gene-specific, regulation by each MiT protein is an established characteristic of this family. Pathway involvement established in one cell type cannot be directly extrapolated to other cell types and must be determined experimentally.
  • CD40L expression is often constitutively increased on T cells from patients with systemic lupus erthythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. In systemic lupus erthythematosus, this occurs without abnormal expression of other markers of T cell activation. Transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms that normally enhance CD40L expression are all thought to contribute to that phenomenon.
  • the Ras GTPase-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is necessary for the maintenance of abnormal CD40L expression by T cells from patients with systemic lupus erthythematosus.
  • the transcriptional activity of TFE3 and TFEB can each be regulated by the Ras-mitogen-activated protein kinase (-MAPK) pathway, for example, in response to activation of the m-csf receptor, a key issue will be whether the activity of TFE3 and TFEB can be regulated by MAPK activation in T cells (for example, in response to the TCR and IL-15 receptor) and if there are differences in their activity in normal versus autoimmune T cells.
  • MAPK activation of TFE3 and TFEB can be defined, at least in part, as phosphorylation which enables TEF3 and TEFB to interact with other molecules critical for transcription.
  • FIG. 1 a depicts an illustrative immunoblot of TFE3 and TFEB protein in un-stimulated and stimulated primary CD4+ mouse splenocytes (via CD3 mAb) and human Jurkat T cells (stimulated via phorbol myristate acetate [PMA] plus ionomycin), according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the GAPDH immunoblot is also shown as a loading control.
  • FIG. 1 b depicts an illustrative time course of TFE3 and TFEB protein expression after TCR stimulation, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • CD4+ T cells were stimulated with the CD3 mAb and aliquots taken at each time point for analysis by immunoblot. These data are extensions of the data in FIG. 1 a.
  • FIG. 1 c depicts an illustrative analysis of Mitf protein expression, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Extracts from resting and LPS stimulated CD19+ B cells, resting and CD3-stimulated (8 hours) CD4+ T cells, un-stimulated and pharmacologically stimulated Jurkat T cells, and resting thymocytes, were probed by immunoblot with a Mitf mAb. The cross-reactive band corresponding in size to the A isoform of Mitf is indicated with the line extending from “Mitf.” This designation is also based on the disappearance of this band in stimulated B cells. The GAPDH immunoblot is also shown as a loading control.
  • FIG. 1 d depicts an illustrative semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase (RT) dependent-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to measure relative abundance of Tcfe3, Tcfetb, (the mouse genes encoding TFE3 and TFEB proteins, respectively) and Mitf mRNA transcripts in resting and stimulated CD4+ T cells over a time course, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Reverse transcriptase in this context, is required to convert the mRNA into a DNA copy (cDNA) that is then used as a template for amplification in the PCR reaction. The identities of the bands are indicated.
  • the titrations illustrate the relative band intensities of PCRs programmed with the same amount of 0 hour complementary DNA (cDNA) used for the PCR series (1/1), one-third the amount (1/3), or three-fold more (3/1).
  • FIGS. 1 a , 1 b , and 1 c Immunoblot ( FIGS. 1 a , 1 b , and 1 c ) and RT-PCR ( FIG. 1 d ) analyses were used to assess the MiT protein and mRNA expression profile, respectively, in T cells.
  • TFE3 and TFEB proteins were detected in CD4+ splenic mouse T cells and in the human transformed T cell line Jurkat, as shown in FIG. 1 a , which depicts an exemplary immunoblot of TFE3 and TFEB in primary CD4+ mouse splenocytes and Jurkat T cells.
  • CD4+ splenic T cells were stimulated by incubation with an anti-CD3 mAb for 8 hrs.
  • Jurkat T cells were stimulated with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)/ionomycin (Iono) for 20 hours.
  • PMA phorbol myristate acetate
  • Iono ionomycin
  • Glyseraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) protein was the loading control.
  • the TFEB and GAPDH antibodies recognized epitopes on the corresponding proteins from mouse and human and were used for probing both extracts.
  • TFE3 proteins from mouse and human extracts were revealed with species restricted anti-TFE3 antibodies. Consequently, band intensities cannot be directly compared between mouse and human.
  • the exemplary images shown in FIGS. 1 a - 1 d are representative of at least three independent experiments.
  • TFEB protein levels increased (five-fold) in response to TCR-engagement in parallel with CD40L induction in primary mouse T cells, whereas TFEB levels were already elevated in un-stimulated Jurkat cells and did not change in response to stimulation.
  • TFE3 levels remained relatively constant in both cases, as apparent from FIG. 1 a .
  • the increase in TFEB was at the post-transcriptional level, as relative amounts of steady-state Tcfeb (the mouse gene encoding TFEB protein) mRNA were unchanged ( FIG. 1 d ).
  • a band was detected that was interpreted to be the A isoform of Mitf in un-stimulated CD4+ T cells, but we did not detect it in TCR-stimulated cells ( FIG. 1 c ). This corresponds to a decrease in Mitf mRNA ( FIG. 1 d ).
  • One or more embodiments of the present invention illustrate that T-cell-specific inactivation of endogenous TFE3 and TFEB in vivo via transgenesis results in a phenotype resembling X-linked hyper-IgM syndrome.
  • FIG. 1 e is an illustrative schematic view depicting an E ⁇ P ⁇ -TDN (“E ⁇ ” and “P ⁇ ” refer to the immunoglobulin ⁇ heavy chain intronic enhancer and promoter, respectively) transgene vector used to create the TDN-transgenic (Tg) mice, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • E ⁇ and P ⁇ refer to the immunoglobulin ⁇ heavy chain intronic enhancer and promoter, respectively
  • Tg TDN-transgenic mice
  • FIG. 1 f depicts an illustrative immunoblot of extracts from total bone marrow (BM), total spleen (Spleen) and total thymocytes (Thymus) from TDN-transgenic mice (+) and non-transgenic littermates ( ⁇ ), according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Non-transgenic mice are control littermates that did not receive the chromosome containing the transgene from the transgenic parent.
  • FIG. 1 f depicts, in part, TDN expression in total extracts of HEK293 cells transfected with a plasmid expressing the TDN cDNA (lane labeled HEK TDN) for comparison.
  • the anti-HA antibody detects the cognate hemagglutinin (HA) epitope built into the TDN protein.
  • FIG. 1 f shows that the TDN protein is only detected in lymphoid organs that contain T cells from TDN-Tg mice and not in non-Tg mice, which established, in part, that TDN expression in this transgenic line was T cell specific.
  • FIG. 1 g depicts illustrative flow cytometry histograms of permeabilized lymphocytes from non-Tg and T cell-specific TDN-Tg mice for staining with an anti-HA antibody that detects the TDN protein, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • filled curves are HA staining profiles of non-Tg (control) cells
  • line overlays are profiles of cells from TDN-Tg mice from bone marrow, spleen, and thymocytes.
  • B and T lymphocyte populations are delineated using lineage-specific markers.
  • FIG. 1 h depicts an illustrative immunoblot of extracts of purified splenic B cells and CD4+ T cells from TDN-transgenic mice ( ⁇ ), showing that the TDN protein is expressed only by splenic T cells but not in B cells from TDN-Tg mice, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 h includes, in part, an immunoblot for the hemagglutinin (HA) epitope built into the TDN protein, and GAPDH, a loading control. Data are representative of at least three independent experiments.
  • HA hemagglutinin
  • FIGS. 2 a and 2 b are illustrative graphical views depicting how the numbers and a distribution of major B and T cell populations is normal in TDN-transgenic mice, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • TDN-transgenic mice exhibited humoral immune defects that were consistent with a hyper IgM syndrome caused by a deficit in CD40L expression.
  • An E ⁇ P ⁇ transgene as described, for example, in Tepper, R. I. et al., “IL-4 induces allergic-like inflammatory disease and alters T cell development in transgenic mice,” Cell 62, pp. 457-467 (1990), which is incorporated by reference herein, was used to direct expression of the TDN protein.
  • transgenic mouse lines were analyzed in which the TDN was expressed exclusively in T cells, which was shown in FIGS. 1 f - 1 h .
  • TDN expression was found to be highest in thymocytes and lower in mature single positive splenic T cells. No TDN protein was detected in B cells or non-lymphoid cells and tissues (see, for example, FIGS. 1 f - 1 h ).
  • FIGS. 2 a and 2 b Analysis of lymphoid compartments in TDN-transgenic mice by cell counting and flow cytometry revealed that B and T cell development proceeded, with normal to nearly normal numbers and distributions of major splenic B and T cell populations (Spleen) and thymocytes (Thymus) at 5 weeks of age. This is shown in FIGS. 2 a and 2 b .
  • Spleen major splenic B and T cell populations
  • Thymus thymocytes
  • FIGS. 2 a and 2 b In hyper-IgM syndrome due to CD40L deficiency, antigen-independent lymphocyte development is normal. Rather, the hallmark phenotype includes defects in germinal center (GC) formation and antibody responses to T-dependent antigens. Therefore, the ability to form GCs was determined in transgenic and control mice intraperitoneally challenged with sheep red blood cells (SRBC).
  • SRBC sheep red blood cells
  • FIGS. 3 a and 3 b are illustrative graphical views depicting impaired germinal center formation in TDN-transgenic mice immunized with SRBCs, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 a PNA and PNA plus B220 stains; PNA (peanut agglutinin) and B220 (also referred to as B cell antigen of 220 kiloDalton molecular weight) identify GC B cells).
  • PNA and PNA plus B220 stains PNA (peanut agglutinin) and B220 (also referred to as B cell antigen of 220 kiloDalton molecular weight) identify GC B cells.
  • PNA peanut agglutinin
  • B220 also referred to as B cell antigen of 220 kiloDalton molecular weight
  • FIGS. 3 a and 3 b illustrate that TDN-transgenic T cells are present in the normal, expected locations in the spleens of immunized mice, adjacent to B cells. This is another property of T cells that could have been affected and caused the immune deficiency, but FIGS. 3 a and 3 b illustrate that it was not such a cause. That is, if T cells cannot make it to the proper place in the spleen, they cannot interact with B cells even if they had expressed CD40L.
  • FIGS. 3 a and 3 b depict that T cells can make it to the proper place in the spleen, thereby illustrating that this property is normal and therefore does not account for the GC defect.
  • FIGS. 4 a through 4 d are illustrative graphical views of ELISAs depicting impaired T-dependent, but normal T-independent, humoral (antibody) responses in TDN-transgenic mice, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Impaired GC formation is indicative of a lapse in T H -cell (helper T cells, primarily CD4+ T cells) dependent B cell activation and is predictive of impaired T-dependent antibody responses. Consistent with this, serum levels of total IgG and IgA isotypes in naive TDN-transgenic mice were reduced compared to controls, whereas total IgM was normal if not slightly elevated, as shown in FIG. 4 a . This prediction was then tested directly by evaluating the humoral responses of mice that were challenged with the T-independent and T-dependent antigens TNP-Ficol1 and TNP-KLH, respectively. As shown in FIG.
  • TNP-specific antibody responses to TNP-Ficol1 were comparable in TDN-transgenic and control mice.
  • TDN-transgenic mice failed to mount a characteristic humoral response to the T-dependent antigen TNP-KLH compared to normal, as evidenced by dramatically reduced TNP-specific IgG antibodies at 14 and 21 days post immunization compared to controls, as illustrated in FIG. 4 c .
  • per capita SRBC-specific plasma cell formation was also proportionally reduced, as shown in FIG. 4 d .
  • TFE3 and TFEB inactivation in T cells mediated by transgenic TDN expression led to poor thymus dependent B cell responses to model antigens in a manner consistent with a CD40L deficiency.
  • T cell-specific TDN-transgenic mice showed the hallmark phenotypes of hyper-IgM syndrome, in which antigen-independent lymphocyte development and antibody responses to T cell-independent antigens are intact, but germinal center formation and IgG responses to T cell-dependent antigens are defective.
  • one or more embodiments of the invention illustrate that defective CD40L expression by TDN-transgenic T cells underlies the humoral immune defect in TDN-transgenic mice.
  • FIG. 5 a depicts an illustrative flow cytometry of surface expression of CD40L by control (wild-type (WT)) and TDN-transgenic (TDN) CD4+ splenocytes stimulated, by way of example, with the anti-CD3 mAb and analyzed by flow cytometry for CD40L marker expression, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Filled curves represent CD40L staining of un-stimulated cells, and grey lines represent CD3-stimulated cells. Numbers above bracketed lines indicate CD40L+ cells. Data are representative of more than three experiments.
  • FIG. 5 a depicts how surface expression of CD40L is impaired in TDN-transgenic T cells.
  • the expression of CD40L was much lower on the surface of TDN-transgenic CD4+ T cells than that of non-transgenic (WT) cells after TCR stimulation.
  • Representative data is of T cells from one TDN-Tg line of mice, but is similar in the three lines studied.
  • FIG. 5 b depicts an illustrative quantification in bar graph form of histogram data as in FIG. 5 a for percent CD4+ T cells positive for CD40L (left) and CD25 (right) after 8 hours of stimulation with various amounts of mAb to CD3 (Anti-CD3), according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the error bars depicted in the bar graph show the s.e.m. (standard error of the mean) for those values.
  • FIGS. 5 c and 5 d depict illustrative flow cytometry histograms of expressions of ICOS and CD28, respectively, showing that their expression is unaffected in TDN-Tg T cells compared to non-Tg (WT), according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • filled curves represent the relative intensity of ICOS or CD28 on freshly isolated CD4+ T cells.
  • Green lines depicted in FIG. 5 d represent the intensity on cells left un-stimulated in culture for 2 days.
  • Grey lines depicted in FIG. 5 c and grey lines depicted in FIG. 5 d represent the intensity on cells stimulated for 2 days with mAb to CD3. Data are representative of three separate experiments.
  • FIG. 5 e depicts an illustrative graphical representation of ELISA measurements of IL-4 secretion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • in vitro IL-4 secretion by TDN-transgenic T cells is normal.
  • FIG. 5 f depicts an illustrative bar graph showing that the proliferative response of TDN-Tg CD4 T cells in vitro to mitogenic stimulation by CD3/CD28 beads is indistinguishable from control non-Tg CD4 T cells.
  • T cell proliferation in response to CD3 and CD29 co-stimulation is indistinguishable between non-Tg and TDN-Tg T cells.
  • FIG. 5 g depicts an illustrative RT-PCR showing that Smad7 expression is unaffected in TDN-Tg and Tcfe3 ⁇ / ⁇ splenic CD4 T cells. Smad7 is analyzed here because it is regulated by TFE3 and TFEB in non-hematopoietic cells.
  • FIG. 5 of the present invention teaches us that inactivation of TFE3 and TFEB had no effect on TCR-dependent CD25, CD69, or CD28 expression, IL-4 secretion, IL-2 responsiveness or CD3/CD28 responsiveness of CD4+ T cells, or Smad7 expression.
  • the data suggest that the effect of TFE3 and/or TFEB inactivation was relatively restricted to CD40L and did not globally affect T cell responses to stimulation, in contrast to deficiencies in some NFAT and NFkB subunits.
  • CD40L expression by CD4 T cells depends on endogenous TFE3 or TFEB. That is, they are mutually redundant activators of CD40L expression in CD4 T cells.
  • FIG. 5 h depicts illustrative flow cytometry histograms showing CD40L and CD25 staining profiles of un-stimulated (filled curve) and TCR-stimulated (line overlay) green fluorescent protein (GFP+) cells from normal and Tcfe3 ⁇ / ⁇ mice (for three independent experiments), in which GFP shows cells that express either a control virus or a virus that expresses an inhibitory (interfering) stem-loop RNA that blocks TFEB synthesis, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Primary CD4+ splenic T cells were isolated from normal and Tcfe3 ⁇ / ⁇ mice infected with the indicated stem-loop-interfering RNA/GFP lentivirus and incubated with IL-2 for about 4-6 days. Cells were then stimulated with plate-bound anti-CD3 mAb for about 8 hours and analyzed for CD40L or CD25 surface expression by flow cytometry.
  • CD40L expression was evaluated in primary splenic CD4+ T cells from wild-type (WT) and Tcfe3 ⁇ / ⁇ mice rendered TFEB-deficient by repressing endogenous TFEB expression via retroviral introduction of a TFEB-specific stem-loop interfering RNA (slRNA).
  • WT wild-type
  • slRNA TFEB-specific stem-loop interfering RNA
  • FIG. 5 i depicts an illustrative representation of an immunoblot confirming down-regulation of TFEB in CD4+ T cells infected with a retrovirus that expresses the inhibitory stem-loop TFEB RNA as in FIG. 5 h , according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 i depicts an immunoblot of extracts from sorted GFP+ cells infected with a control (left) or TFEB-slRNA lentivirus, for TFEB and GAPDH. The immunoblot is representative of two independent experiments.
  • induction of CD40L by TCR-stimulation with an anti-CD3 mAb was comparable between wt T cells infected with the control or TFEB slRNA lentiviruses and Tcfe3 ⁇ / ⁇ T cells infected with the control lentivirus, suggesting TFEB itself was not critical if TFE3 was present.
  • CD40L induction on Tcfe3 ⁇ / ⁇ T cells infected with the TFEB slRNA vector was significantly impaired compared to control infected and wt cells. Induction of CD25 was unaffected by the TFEB slRNA in all cases.
  • These one or more embodiments of the present invention therefore represent the first known demonstration of a physiological functional redundancy between TFE3 and TFEB and the first known demonstration of their role in controlling T cell function via their joint regulation of CD40L (see, for example, FIGS. 5, 7 , 8 , and 9 ). It remains possible that under certain conditions each has a unique contribution to the activation of CD40L based on observations that only TFEB was induced after TCR stimulation of primary cells ( FIG. 1 a and 1 b ) and that TFEB could bind independently from TFE3 to the CD40L promoter ( FIG. 7 ).
  • the present invention teaches us that TFE3 and TFEB control the expression of CD40L by directly controlling transcription of the gene encoding CD40L (Cd40lg and CD40LG).
  • FIG. 5 j depicts an illustrative real-time RT-PCR analysis of RNA isolated from CD4+ T cells from wild-type or TDN-transgenic littermate mice at various times after incubation with mAb to CD3 (horizontal axis), according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the illustrative bar graph shows the relative amounts of mRNA encoding CD40lg from CD4+ T cells from wild type (wt) (black bars) or TDN-transgenic littermate mice (white bars) at the indicated times after incubation with the anti-CD3 mAb.
  • wt wild type
  • TDN-transgenic littermate mice white bars
  • real-time RT-PCR analysis of CD40lg RNA isolated from TDN-transgenic and control CD4+ splenic T cells at various times after TCR-stimulation showed a reduction of Cd40lg transcripts in TDN-Tg T cells at the induction peak to one-third that of non-Tg (control) cells, with unchanged overall kinetics ( FIG. 5 j ).
  • one or more embodiments of the present invention teach a fundamental relationship between the transcription factors TFE3 and TFEB and T cell function via their direct regulation of CD40L expression.
  • the data are most consistent with a mutually redundant role of these molecules with respect to controlling CD40L transcription, as a combined TFE3/TFEB deficiency inhibited TCR-dependent CD40L induction in the primary T cell culture systems, whereas individual deficiencies had either a minor or no measurable effect (see, for example, FIG. 5 h ).
  • a degree of functional redundancy has also been observed with NFAT components, as a combined deficiency of NFATc1 and NFATc2 resulted in the greatest impairment in CD40L expression compared to individual deficiencies.
  • the transgenic approach to inactivate endogenous TFE3 and TFEB via T cell specific expression of the TDN protein was therefore a key and advantageous strategy to address the redundancy and also served to circumvent the embryonic lethality of germline TFEB deficiency by directing expression to somatic cells.
  • One or more embodiments of the present invention teaches us that B cells from the T-cell specific TDN-Tg mice ( FIGS. 1 e - 1 h ) are not themselves defective and are capable of responding normally to antigen and CD40 signaling ( FIG. 6 ). Consistent with that, CD 19 + B cells from TDN-transgenic mice and non-transgenic mice had similar expression of CD40 and responded similarly to in vitro stimulation, including the CD40-dependent induction of CD86 and major histo-compatibility complex (MHC) class II expression.
  • MHC major histo-compatibility complex
  • an agonist monoclonal antibody (mAb) to CD40 administered during immunization with TNP-KLH, enhanced day-7 TNP-specific IgG titers of both non-transgenic and TDN-transgenic mice, but most notably rendered the IgG responses indistinguishable from each other.
  • IgG antibody titers in mice treated with the isotype-matched control mAb were lower, and TDN-transgenic mice also had lower IgG responses than those of non-transgenic mice.
  • FIG. 6 a depicts an illustrative flow cytometry histogram showing equivalent CD40 expression in B cells from non-transgenic and TDN-transgenic mice, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Filled curves represent unstained cells, and grey lines represent cells stained with mAb to CD40.
  • FIGS. 6 b and 6 c epict illustrative flow cytometry histograms showing that expressions of CD86 and MHC class II respectively, by B cells from TDN-Tg and non-Tg mice are equivalent, after stimulation of B cells with mAb to CD40, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • filled curves represent CD86 or MHC class II staining on un-stimulated cells, and grey lines on stimulated cells.
  • FIG. 6 d depicts illustrative ELISA analyses measuring IgG responses to TNP-KLH in non-transgenic and TDN-transgenic mice treated with an agonist mAb to CD40 during immunization, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • TNP-KLH is an experimental antigen to which an antibody response requires T-cell derived CD40L to B cells.
  • Control mice (filled circles) and TDN-transgenic mice (open circles) were immunized intraperitoneally once with 100 micrograms of TNP-KLH plus 100 micrograms of either isotype-matched control antibody (control) or mAb to CD40 (3/23), delivered intravenously. The same amount of each mAb was administered once a day over 7 days.
  • Data represent TNP-specific IgG isotypes from serum samples obtained on days 0 and 7.
  • One or more embodiments of the present invention illustrate that TFE3 and TFEB bind to and activate the CD40L promoter.
  • FIG. 7 a depicts an illustrative schematic alignment of CD40L promoters from humans, mice and rats, showing where TFE3 and TFEB bind to and activate the CD40L promoter, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 a depicts an illustrative schematic alignment of CD40L promoters from humans, mice and rats, showing where TFE3 and TFEB bind to and activate the CD40L promoter.
  • E-boxes are categorized as either ones that match known and optimal MiT transcription factor binding sites and that are present in all promoters (gray boxes with letters) or as non-conserved and non-optimal (dotted open boxes).
  • the optimal MiT sites are further subcategorized based on the precise sequence of the site, as represented by letters A through E. Nucleotide positions of boxes are numbered, with A of the ATG translation start site equal to +1, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.
  • FIG. 7 b upper panel depicts an illustrative Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) of a Cd40lg promoter fragment by anti-TFE3 and anti-TFEB antibodies, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the lower panel depicts illustrative controls for ChIP assays in the upper panel of FIG. 7 b , according to an embodiment of the present invention. Titration of input DNA confirms amplification conditions in the ChIP assay are in the semi-quantitative, linear range.
  • Input material ( 1/900th of total) from the upper panel of FIG. 7 b was serially diluted as indicated above each lane and amplified in parallel with the experimental samples from FIG. 7 b.
  • Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were used to determine whether endogenous TFE3 and TFEB could bind to the CD40L promoter in vivo. ChIP analysis of un-stimulated and TCR-stimulated primary CD4+ splenic T cells from wild-type (wt) mice showed that TFE3 and TFEB each bound to a fragment of the murine Cd40lg promoter under both resting and stimulated conditions.
  • FIG. 7 b depicts exemplary Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) of a Cd40lg promoter fragment by anti-TFE3 and anti-TFEB antibodies.
  • FIG. 7 b Shown is a semi-quantitative PCR analysis of starting material (Input, lanes 10-13) and immunoprecipitated material (ChIP, lanes 1-9) from the indicated sources and with the indicated Abs. CHIP using an anti-GAPDH antibody (lane 9) served as an additional negative control for background band intensity.
  • the exemplary data shown in FIG. 7 b is representative of three independent experiments.
  • FIG. 7 c (described below) also illustrates how TDN expression in T cells in vivo via transgenesis blocks TFE3 and TFEB binding to the CD40L promoter using a different methodology.
  • FIG. 7 c depicts illustrative electrophoretic mobility-shift assays (EMSAs) to evaluate the binding of native TFE3 and TFEB proteins to the individual MiT sites in the Cd40lg promoter, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Nuclear extracts (NE) from stimulated wild-type and Tcfe3 ⁇ / ⁇ splenic CD4+ T cells were incubated with radio-labeled oligonucleotides spanning a single MiT E-box (sites 1-8) and complexes were resolved by native gel electrophoresis.
  • the top two panels show relative E-box-binding activity in extracts made from WT (left) or Tcfe3 ⁇ / ⁇ (right) CD4 T cells. The markers on the left point out shifted complexes and free probe.
  • the bottom EMSAs represent cold oligonucleotide competition and antibody-interference assays to determine the identity and specificity of E-box-binding complexes in cell extracts.
  • Each of the panels in the lower sets of EMSAs shows binding activity to one particular E-box probe from WT (left, first six lanes), TDN-Tg (left, last lane) or Tcfe3 ⁇ / ⁇ (right panels) CD4 T cells.
  • WT wild-type
  • Tut point mutations
  • anti-TFE3 or anti-TFEB were included in some binding reactions (+; above lanes).
  • the exposures for the bottom panels were optimized for each probe. Data are representative of at least three independent experiments.
  • FIG. 7 d depicts illustrative electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) of nuclear extracts of human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells transfected with control ( ⁇ ), TFE3, or TFEB pEBB (pEBB is a plasmid used by many labs to express genes in mammalian cells; the “B” in EBB stands for El alpha, the name of the mammalian gene from where the promoter was obtained) expression vectors showing TFE3 and TFEB binding to the MiT sites from the Cd40lg promoter, according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG.
  • EBB electrophoretic mobility shift assays
  • EMSAs with nuclear extracts from primary CD4+ T cells established that native TFE3 and TFEB bound to the multiple MiT consensus E-boxes in the Cd40lg promoter, although to differing relative degrees and sometimes with preferential binding of one or both subunits to individual sites. Similar results were obtained here ( FIG. 7 d ) by analyzing DNA-binding activities in extracts of HEK293 cells over-expressing TFE3 or TFEB. We demonstrated the specificity of the protein-DNA interactions by including TFE3- or TEEB-specific antibodies that interfered with DNA binding.
  • FIG. 8 a depicts a bar graph plotting the relative activities of Cd40lg promoter fragments containing (full-length) or lacking (truncated) the MiT E-boxes and in the presence or absence of the TDN protein, as measured by (firefly) luciferase reporter gene assays, and shows that Cd40lg promoter activity depends on endogenous TFE3, TFEB and s MiT boxes to enhance promoter activity, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • mice Primary CD4+ splenic T cells from wild-type and TDN-transgenic mice were transfected with mouse Cd40lg promoter-luciferase constructs, either full-length (from the ATG to ⁇ 1535 base pairs upstream) or truncated (to ⁇ 382) lacking the MiT sites (rectangles).
  • FIG. 8 b depicts illustrative contributions of individual and combinations of MiT E-box sites to promoter activity, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Point mutations abrogating binding of TFE3 and/or TFEB binding (‘X’) were introduced into E-box sites (numbered 1-8; left margin) in the context of the full-length mouse Cd40lg promoter.
  • Primary splenic CD4+ T cells from wild-type and Tcfe3 ⁇ / ⁇ mice were transfected, stimulated and analyzed for luciferase activity as in described in FIG. 8 a.
  • Point mutations that abrogated the binding of TFE3 and/or TFEB to individual sites also attenuated Cd40lg promoter activity in primary wild-type and TFE3-deficient CD4+ T cells ( FIG. 8 b ), although to differing degrees.
  • a full-length construct containing mutations of all eight sites had the greatest effect on promoter activity, reducing it to the activity of the truncated promoter.
  • Individual mutation of sites three through seven had a less severe but measurably attenuating effects in both wild-type and TFE3-deficient T cells.
  • mutation of site one or two had no effect in wild-type cells but had a substantial effect in TFE3-deficient T cells. That result was consistent with the preferential binding of TFEB from wild-type extracts to site one and the greater relative binding of TFEB to site two than to all other sites in the absence of TFE3.
  • TFE3-deficiency versus wild-type cells may indicate that the TFE3 and TFEB redundancy was not complete or that sites had differential responsiveness to TFE 3 or TFEB protein abundance. These results indicated that all sites in some context could act in concert for full TFE3- and/or TFEB-dependent enhancement of Cd40lg promoter activity. Thus, we infer that TFE3 or TFEB binding is critical for achieving the physiological regulation of CD40L expression necessary for T cell-dependent antibody responses.
  • FIG. 8 c depicts that native TFE 3 and TFEB can form heterodimers and that the TDN protein blocks this interaction, (i.e., that heterodimerization, by way of example, is an interaction that is blocked by the TDN protein), according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the graphical depiction on the left represents an immunoblot of stimulated CD4+ splenic T cell extracts from WT, Tcfe3 ⁇ / ⁇ and TDN-Tg mice for TFE3, TFEB, TDN (HA), and GAPDH protein expression.
  • the graphical depiction on the right represents extracts from the same sources that were incubated with anti-TFE3, immune complexes that were precipitated, and immuno-precipitates resolved on SDS-PAGE and blotted with anti-TFEB.
  • native TFE3 and TFEB were immuno-precipitated together ( FIG. 8 c lane 1), suggesting that, in addition to TFE3 homodimers and TFEB homodimers, that TFE3/TFEB heterodimers can form and may represent a distinct DNA binding species. That interaction was blocked in TDN-transgenic T cells ( FIG. 8 c lane 3).
  • maximal Cd40lg and CD40LG promoter activity required an upstream fragment that contains conserved MiT boxes and endogenous TFE3 and/or TFEB.
  • the firefly luciferase reporter gene assay was used.
  • murine Cd40lg and human CD40LG promoter fragments were linked to the luciferase gene and transiently transfected into the human T cell line Jurkat.
  • Jurkat T cells were transfected either with full-length ( ⁇ 1.5 kB upstream: human ⁇ 1562, mouse to ⁇ 1535 relative to the ATG) or truncated ( ⁇ 382, mouse; ⁇ 944, human) CD40L promoter-luciferase constructs with control or TDN-expressing plasmid and with Renilla as an internal control.
  • TDN trans-dominant-negative
  • the TDN protein contains the TFE3 HLH/Zip (helix-loop-helix/leucine zipper) dimerization domains but lacks the DNA binding BR and transcription activation domains and thus forms heterodimers with MiT proteins that are incapable of binding DNA ( FIG. 8 c ).
  • transient transfection of the reporters into Jurkat T cells showed that the activity of the full-length mouse Cd40lg and human CD40LG promoters exhibited about 3-fold higher activity at the induction peak following PMA/iono stimulation than the corresponding truncated promoters that lacked the consensus MiT binding sites.
  • simultaneous expression of the TDN protein reduced the activity of the full-length promoters to the levels of the truncated promoter fragments, whereas the activities of the truncated promoters were unaffected by TDN expression.
  • deletion of an upstream promoter fragment of the Cd40lg and CD40LG genes that contained the predicted MiT consensus sites rendered the promoters unresponsive to inhibition of endogenous TFE3 and TFEB by the TDN.
  • the truncated promoters were still responsive to stimulation, which was attributed to the proximal NFAT/AP-1 site as has been reported (see, for example, Lobo, F. M., Xu, S., Lee, C. & Fuleihan, R. L, “Transcriptional activity of the distal CD40 ligand promoter,” Biochem Biophys Res Commun , pp. 245-250, 279 (2000), Lindgren, H., Axcrona, K. & Leanderson, T., “Regulation of transcriptional activity of the murine CD40 ligand promoter in response to signals through TCR and the co-stimulatory molecules CD28 and CD2 ,” J Immunol 166, pp.
  • TDN did not block the activity of these other transcription factors, and established that endogenous TFE3 and/or TFEB were important for maximal induction of CD40LG and Cd40lg promoter activity in human T cells via MiT site-containing sequences.
  • FIG. 9 b is an illustrative graphical view depicting how inhibition of native TFE3 and TFEB activity by expression of trans-dominant negative protein (TDN) blocks endogenous CD40L induction after activation of Jurkat T cells, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • TDN trans-dominant negative protein
  • FIG. 9 b illustrates that inhibition of TFE3 and TFEB activity by expression of the TDN via the pEBB plasmid blocks CD40L induction after activation of human Jurkat T cells.
  • T cells were transiently transfected with the indicated pEBB-GFP-expression construct (control or TDN-expressing) and two days later stimulated with PMA/iono. About 12 hours later, cells were analyzed, for example, by flow cytometry, or alternative analysis methods, for surface expression of CD40L (left histogram) and CD25 (right histogram).
  • CD40L and CD25 expression profiles of GFP+ (plasmid transfected) cells that were un-stimulated (filled profiles), cells that received the control plasmid and were stimulated (red line-overlays), and cells that received the TDN plasmid (green line overlay). Data shown is representative of at least three independent experiments.
  • TDN protein expression selectively inhibited the induction of endogenous CD40L by Jurkat T cells dependent on stimulation by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) plus ionomycin (iono), whereas the induction of CD25 was unaffected ( FIG. 9 b ). Therefore, one or more embodiments of the present invention teaches us that endogenous TFE3 and/or TFEB are important for maximum induction of Cd40lg and CD40LG promoter activity and endogenous gene expression in mouse and human T cells and that they have evolutionarily conserved functions in that capacity ( FIGS. 9 a and 9 b ). In other words, what was defined in mouse CD4 T cells is also operational in human T cells (even though they are transformed).
  • FIG. 10 a depicts a table illustrating oligonucleotides for EMSA in FIG. 7 , according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the oligonucleotides are very short sequences of DNA that are the same MiT DNA sequences as they exist in the Cd40lg promoter. This is why and how we used them to show that TFE 3 and TFEB proteins interact with the MiT sites in the Cd40lg promoter.
  • FIG. 10 a is merely an exemplary embodiment, and one or more embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the MiT sites used therein.
  • One or more embodiments of the present invention any implement other MiT sites to bind to TFE3 and TFEB that do not come from the Cd40lg promoter.
  • FIG. 10 b depicts an exemplary table illustrating oligonucleotides for cloning Cd40lg and CD40LG promoters, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 c depicts an exemplary table illustrating oligonucleotides for E-box mutagenesis for the analyses in FIG. 8 b , according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 11 a - 11 c show that TDN expression in the B cell lineage does not block B cell development.
  • one or more embodiments of the invention include experiments that are from different lines of transgenic mice in which the TDN inhibitor is expressed in B cells, which make antibodies, and T cells in these mice are normal and do not express the TDN inhibitor. These lines are called “B-cell-specific TDN-Tg mice.”
  • FIG. 11 a depicts a representative immunoblot showing that TFE3 and TFEB proteins are expressed in B cells, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 b depicts representative immunoblots probing for TDN expression in lymphoid tissues from a different line of E ⁇ P ⁇ transgenic mice that are shown here to express the TDN in B cells but not T cells (so called “B cell-specific TDN-Tg mice”), according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 c depicts representative flow cytometry, also showing that these mice express the TDN protein only in B, but not T cells, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 d depicts representative flow cytometry analyses showing that major B and T cell populations in these “B cell-specific TDN-Tg” mice are normal, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 b and 11 c Lines of E ⁇ P ⁇ -TDN transgenic mice were identified that expressed the TDN exclusively in B cells, not T cells.
  • the immunoblot and flow cytometry shown in FIG. 11 b and 11 c is proof of this principle showing that the TDN inhibitor is made only in B cells in these lines, and that TFE3 and TFEB proteins are expressed in B cells.
  • the flow cytometry analysis of lymphocytes in these mice shows that, remarkably, B cell development is normal ( FIG. 11 c ). This is important because it suggests that systemic administration of a hypothetical TFE3 and/or TFEB inhibitor will not effect the production of B cells.
  • FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a technique for treating at least one of an immunological disease and an inflammatory disease in a patient, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the technique for treating an immune disease in a patient includes step 1202, suppressing at least one of TFE3 and TFEB in a patient to thereby suppress CD40L expression in the patient.
  • CD40L expression is typically elevated on T cells from SLE and RA patients.
  • CD40L Inappropriate or undesirable expression of CD40L by T cells (or B cells and possibly other cell types) can cause autoantibody production by B cells and/or directly or indirectly (for example, via autoantibody complexes) trigger inflammatory responses mediated by the cellular immune system that destroy tissues and organs.
  • CD40L is also necessary for B cells to become transformed by the Epstein Barr Virus. Interfering with CD40L-CD40 interactions—either genetically (in mice) or pharmacologically (for example, via CsA or interfering CD40L mAb) has had proven efficacy in mouse models and some efficacy in the clinic for ameliorating symptoms of and thus treating many autoimmune/inflammatory diseases.
  • TFE3 and TFEB control the expression of CD40L in CD4 T cells and thus provides a new way to control abnormal or undesirable CD40L expression in disease states.
  • TFE3 and TFEB can each be regulated by the MAPK pathway, which can be activated by stimulation of multiple receptors including the TCR and the IL-15 receptor, and IL-15 is elevated in RA.
  • MAPK pathway which can be activated by stimulation of multiple receptors including the TCR and the IL-15 receptor, and IL-15 is elevated in RA.
  • CD40L expression in other cell types may similarly depend on TFE3 and TFEB and the effects of disease state on their expression in these cells.
  • B cell abnormalities in some autoimmune diseases may be due to homotypic stimulation via co-expression of CD40 and CD40L on abnormal B cells.
  • the step of suppressing at least one of TFE3 and TFEB may include selectively inactivating TFE3 and/or TFEB, respectively.
  • the step of suppressing at least one of TFE3 and TFEB may alternatively include the step of blocking an ability of at least one of TFE3 and TFEB to interact with DNA.
  • the step of suppressing at least one of TFE3 and TFEB includes the step of blocking an ability of at least one of TFE3 and TFEB synthesis.
  • Suppressing TFE3 and/or TFEB may be achieved, in accordance with an aspect of the invention, by blocking TFE3 and/or TFEB synthesis, respectively, via an interfering RNA (which includes sIRNA, as, by way of example only, in an embodiment of the invention). Blocking TFE3 and/or TFEB synthesis would leave other MiT proteins untouched and would be predicted to have the least invasive, least collateral off-target effects.
  • the step of suppressing at least one of TFE3 and TFEB includes at least one of blocking an interaction between TFE3 and TFEB, blocking TFE3 and TFEB from forming dimers, and blocking TFE3 and TFEB from binding with DNA.
  • Blocking TFE3 and TFEB from forming dimers may comprise blocking TFE3 and TFEB from forming dimers with each other, blocking TFE3 from forming dimers with itself, and/or blocking TFEB from forming dimers with itself.
  • the step of suppressing at least one of TFE3 and TFEB in the patient to thereby suppress CD40L expression in the patient may include the use of the suppressing TDN protein.
  • Blocking TFE3 and/or TFEB protein activity via a TDN-like molecule or oligonucleotide MiT binding site DNA binding blockers may also affect Mitf and TFEC.
  • molecular inhibitors of this type may have great efficacy if used locally, for example, at the site of a transplant or in bead form and released locally.
  • TDN can experimentally block Mitf and TFEC as illustrated, for example, by the depiction herein that Mitf is expressed in thymocytes and un-stimulated T cells. Additionally, Mitf and TFEC may be capable of binding to the MiT sites in the CD40L gene promoters in other cell types that express these molecules.
  • the step of suppressing at least one of TFE3 and TFEB in the patient to thereby suppress CD40L expression in the patient may include some type of interfering RNA (this includes the interfering stem-loop RNA, as was used here, and double stranded oligonucleotide RNAi).
  • the step of suppressing at least one of TFE3 and TFEB in the patient to thereby suppress CD40L expression in the patient may include some type of agent that would block the activation of TFE3 and/or TFEB by MAPK phosphorylation or prevent interactions between TFE3 and TFEB and upstream or downstream effectors that depend on this phosphorylation.
  • the technique for treating at least one of an immunological disease and an inflammatory disease in a patient may comprise gene therapy, which may also benefit by including TFE3 and TFEB binding sites in the vector to promote appropriate expression of genes within the gene therapy vector in the patient.
  • the immune disease includes at least one of an autoimmune disease and an inflammatory disease.
  • the technique for treating an immune disease in a patient may also include step 1204, administering at least one of a TFE3 inhibitor and a TFEB inhibitor for suppressing at least one of TFE3 and TFEB, respectively, in the patient.
  • At least one of the TFE3 inhibitor and the TFEB inhibitor is administered systemically. Also, in one or more embodiments of the present invention, at least one of the TFE3 inhibitor and the TFEB inhibitor is administered as an inhalant.
  • At least one of the TFE3 inhibitor and the TFEB inhibitor is administered subcutaneously.
  • the TFE3 inhibitor and the TFEB inhibitor may be administered at site of inflammation and/or rejection.
  • CD4+ T cells were purified from spleens of 5 week old mice with a mouse CD4 negative isolation kit (Dynal Biotech) to greater than or equal to about 96% purity as determined by flow cytometry.
  • T cells were cultured in RPMI supplemented with 10% (volume/volume) heat-inactivated FCS (fetal calf serum) (Gibco), and 50 ⁇ M ⁇ -mercaptoethanol (Sigma).
  • FCS fetal calf serum
  • Gibco fetal calf serum
  • 50 ⁇ M ⁇ -mercaptoethanol Sigma.
  • 20 units/ml mouse IL-2 20 units/ml mouse IL-2 (Roche) was added to the culture medium.
  • the purified mouse spleen CD4+ T cells either cultured in IL-2 for 4-5 days (slRNAi) or freshly isolated—were incubated in 5-10 ⁇ g/ml anti-CD3 mAb (anti-CD3 ⁇ mAb 145-2C11, BD Pharmingen)-fixed plates for ⁇ 8 hr before harvesting for detection of surface CD40L and CD25 expression.
  • anti-CD3 mAb anti-CD3 ⁇ mAb 145-2C11, BD Pharmingen
  • the cells were incubated with or without 10 ⁇ g/ml anti-CD3 for 48 hr after initiation of the culture.
  • T cells were incubated for 48 hours with 10 ⁇ g/ml anti-CD3 following the manufacturer's instructions (BD Pharmingen).
  • BD Pharmingen manufacturer's instructions
  • For the real-time PCR freshly isolated and purified spleen CD4+ T cells were incubated in 10 ⁇ g/ml anti-CD3 fixed plates in RPMI/FBS/BME for 0 hour (hr), 3 hr, 6 hr, and 9 hr before harvesting for RNA extraction and reverse transcription. Approximately 2 ⁇ 10 7 cells were used per time point.
  • CD4+ T cells were removed from anti-CD3 stimulation after 48 hr, cultured for 7 days in Roswell Park Memorial Institute medium (RPMI)/Fetal bovine serum (FBS)/beta-mercaptoethanol (BME) containing 100 units/ml mouse IL-2 (Roche), then re-stimulated at 10 5 cells/well in 96-well plate bound with 5 ⁇ g/ml anti-CD3 without IL-2 for 48 hours. Supernatants were collected for quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
  • RPMI Roswell Park Memorial Institute medium
  • FBS Fetal bovine serum
  • BME beta-mercaptoethanol
  • ELISA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
  • splenic B cells were purified with a mouse B cell Negative Isolation kit (Dynal Biotech) such that 94% or more of the cells were CD19+. Purified B cells were then analyzed directly for CD40 expression or were stimulated for 48 hours with mAb to CD40 (3/23; BD Pharmingen) and then were analyzed for CD86 and MHC class II surface expression by flow cytometry.
  • the 3′ hemagglutin (HA) epitope-tagged TDN CDNA was subcloned into an irnmunoglobutin heavy chain gene enhancer and promoter based transgene cassette (E ⁇ P ⁇ ) that can direct expression in T cells, B cells or both, depending on the line.
  • Fragments that contained the transgene cassette were excised from the plasmid backbone, purified and microinjected into fertilized FVB oocytes as described in the SUNY-Downstate Transgenic Facility (see, e.g., Hogan, B., Beddington, R., Costantini, F. & Lacy, E, “Manipulating the Mouse Embryo: A Laboratory Manual,” Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press , Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., 1994, which is incorporated by reference herein).
  • mice were identified by Southern blotting and PCR of genomic DNA from tails. Transgenic mice analyzed were the progeny of transgenic animals that had been back-crossed at least four generations onto the C57BL/6 strain. Five independent lines were derived that were confirmed to express TDN transgene only in T cells. Three lines were evaluated for recapitulation of impaired induction of CD40L in primary CD4+ T cells. All showed the same defect, and results from one line is shown. All transgenic mice used were 5-6 weeks old and hemizygous for the transgene, and non-transgenic control mice were sex-matched littermates of transgenic mice. The mice were housed under SPF (specific pathogen free) conditions according to guidelines approved by the Division of Laboratory Animal Resources.
  • SPF specific pathogen free
  • control and TFEB sIRNA lentiviruses are described in Huan et al. and viral particles produced according to published protocols (see, for example, Rubinson, D. A. et al., “A lentivirus-based system to functionally silence genes in primary mammalian cells, stem cells and transgenic mice by RNA interference,” Nat Genet 33, pp. 401-406 (2003), which is incorporated by reference herein).
  • p refers to “plasmid”
  • MDLg and RRE are conventional names for viral genes that encode a function necessary to build viral particles, so called “helper” functions
  • CMV-VSVG CVM refers to transcription activation sequences from the cytomegalo virus that are built into plasmids to express other genes, in this case the G protein from VSV; and VSVG is a name for viral genes that encode a function necessary to build viral particles
  • RSV-Rev RSV refers to transcription activation sequences from the Rous sarcoma viruses that are built into plasmids to express other genes, in this case the Rev protein from HIV; and Rev is a name for viral genes that encode a finction necessary to build viral particles).
  • the viruses in culture media were concentrated by centrifugation, and used for infecting purified mouse spleen CD4+ T cells.
  • the infected T cells were cultured with 20 units/ml IL-2 for 4-5 days before evaluating infection efficiency and anti-CD3 stimulation.
  • Fc receptor block 2-4G2, BD Pharmingen
  • Fc receptor block 2-4G2, BD Pharmingen
  • FITC fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated anti-MHC class II
  • Fix & Perm Kit Caltag
  • FITC conjugated anti-HA mAb 3F10, Roche
  • Cells were analyzed on a FACScan (A BD company name for a particular model of flow cytometer: Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorter/Scan) with CellQuestTM software (a trademark of Becton Dickenson).
  • ChIP assay was done as described (see, for example, Huan, C., Sashital, D., Hailemariam, T., Kelly, M. L. & Roman, C. A. J., “Renal carcinoma associated transcription factors TFE3 and TFEB are leukemia-inhibitory factor-responsive transcription activators of E-cadherin,” J Biol Chem 13, p.
  • RNA from purified CD4+splenic T cells was isolated with TRI reagent (TR-118, MAR) and contaminant DNA was removed by DNase I (AMP-D1, Sigma) according to the manufacturer s instructions.
  • Total RNA (5 ⁇ g) was reverse-transcribed and PCR amplified with QuantiTect SYBR Green RT-PCR kit (Qiagen) in an Opticon Continuous Fluorescence Detector (MJ Research).
  • CD40L and GAPDH mRNAs were determined by real-time RT-PCR using following primers, for CD40L, 5′ AAAATGGG AAACAGCTGACG 3′, and 5′ GGTATTTGCCGCCTTGAGTA 3′, for GAPDH, 5′ TCACCACCATGGAGAAGGC 3′, and 5′ GCTAAGCAGTTGGTGGTGCA 3′.
  • CD40L mRNA expression was normalized to GAPDH mRNA.
  • TMB tetramethylbenzidine
  • KPL peroxidase substrate system
  • mice were immunized intraperitoneally with 100 ⁇ g TNP-KLH (Biosearch Technologies) in complete Freund's adjuvant (Difco) and were injected intravenously each day for seven days after immunization with 100 ⁇ g anti-CD40 (mAb 3/23; BD Pharmingen) or the isotype control rat IgG2a ⁇ (mAb R35-95; BD Pharmingen), and then blood was collected to obtain serum.
  • Serum Igs specific for TNP Trinitrophenol
  • TNP-BSA Trinitrophenol-bovine serum albumin conjugate
  • ELISA was performed with EL405 auto plate washer (BIO-TEK), the plates were read at 450 nm with ⁇ Quant microplate spectrophotometer (BIO-TEK), and data was analyzed with KCjunior microplate data analysis software (BIO-TEK).
  • BIO-TEK ⁇ Quant microplate spectrophotometer
  • BIO-TEK KCjunior microplate data analysis software
  • T cells culture supernatants were assayed for cytokine content by Mouse IL-4 Immunoassay Elisa kit (R&D) following manufacturer's protocol.
  • mice were immunized intraperitoneally with 7.5 ⁇ l SRBC (Colorado Serum) in 200 ⁇ l PBS. The spleens were harvested 8 days after immunization and fixed in 10% formalin. Germinal centers were stained as previously described (see, for example, Cattoretti, G. et al., “BCL-6 protein is expressed in germinal-center B cells,” Blood 86, pp. 45-53 (1995), which is incorporated by reference herein) with modification.
  • antigen-retrieved slides were blocked with 3% pig serum and avidin/biotin blocking kit (Vector Lab), incubated with 1 ⁇ g/ml of biotin-conjugated PNA (Sigma) for more than 2 hr, and then incubated with biotin-conjugated goat anti-PNA (Vector Lab) for 45 min. Subsequently, the sections were treated with 0.1% NaN 3 and 0.3% H 2 O 2 for 30 min to block the endogenous peroxidase before staining with 1:400 diluted HRP-conjugated avidin (Dako) for 20 min. After washing, the sections were incubated with HRP developing solution for 20 min, and then embedded with glycerol gelatin. All staining procedures were performed at room temperature.
  • Nuclear extracts from anti-CD3-activated CD4+ T cells or transfected HEK293 cells (5 ⁇ g) were incubated on ice for 30 minutes with a 32 P-labeled oligonucleotide spanning an E-box site from the mouse Cd40lg promoter in 25 mM HEPEs, pH 7.9, 50 mM KCl, 4% (weight/volume) Ficoll, 5 ⁇ M ZnCl 2 , 0.1 mM dithiothreitol, 0.02% (volume/volume) Nonidet-P40, 5 mM MgCl 2 , 10 ⁇ g/ml of BSA and 10 ng/ ⁇ l of poly(dI:dC) (deoxyinosine:deoxycytidine).
  • Nonspecific binding was assessed in the presence of a 100-fold excess of unlabeled oligonucleotide corresponding to the labeled oligonucleotide with or without E-box mutation and 2.5 ⁇ g anti-TFE3 (BD Pharmingen) or anti-TFEB (Santa Cruz). Samples with antibody were incubated for an additional 30 minutes. Reaction products were separated by native 5% (weight/volume) PAGE at 4° C. and were visualized by autoradiography.
  • CD40L Promoter Reporter Gene Plasmid Construction, Transient Transfection, and Reporter Gene Assay
  • the 5 extended (“full-length”: to ⁇ 1535 bp and ⁇ 1562 bp, relative to the mouse and human ATG, respectively) and truncated mouse and human CD40L promoter fragments (to ⁇ 382 bp and ⁇ 944 bp from the ATG, respectively) were PCR amplified from genomic DNA and inserted into the pGL3 luciferase reporter vector (Promega).
  • Mouse Cd40lg promoter reporter gene plasmids with E-box mutations were constructed by site-directed mutagenesis (Stratagene) with specific primers.
  • Jurkat cells were transfected by electroporation with 10 ⁇ g of CD40L promoter reporter gene plasmid, 0.05 ⁇ g renilla control plasmid and 8 ⁇ g TDN expressing plasmid for each sample, and subsequently activated with PMA and ionomycin as described (see, for example, Lobo, F. M., Xu, S., Lee, C. & Fuleihan, R. L., “Transcriptional activity of the distal CD40 ligand promoter,” Biochem Biophys Res Commun 279, pp. 245-250 (2000), incorporated herein by reference).
  • Firefly luciferase (Luc) and Renilla reniformis luciferase (Rlluc) activities were measured from cell extracts with the Dual Luciferase Reporter Assay System (Promega) and TD-20/20 Luminometer (Turner Designs).
  • Primary mouse CD4 T cells were transfected with 2.5 ⁇ g of Cd40lg promoter reporter gene plasmids, 0.01 ⁇ g of RLIuc and 1.5 ⁇ g of empty pEBB or pEBB-TDN expression plasmid for each sample using the mouse T cell Nuclefector kit (Amaxa).
  • the cells were activated for eight hours with 5 ⁇ g/ml of mAb to CD3 ⁇ and then were lysed for luminometry as described herein. Luciferase activity was always normalized to Rlluc activity. In all experiments, the total amount of pEBB expression vector DNA was equalized by balancing cDNA-containing pEBB with empty pEBB.
  • Purified mouse CD4+ splenic T cells and Jurkat T cells after or without activation were lysed in detergent buffer (150 mM NaCl, 20 mM Tris pH7.4, 1% Triton-100, 0.1% SDS), supplemented with Complete Protease Inhibitor Tablets (Roche). Protein was transferred to PVDF membrane (Immobilon P).
  • the following antibodies were used for western: anti-mouse TFE3 (BD-Pharmingen), anti-TFE3 (Santa Cruz Biotechnology), anti-TFEB (abeam), anti-GAPDH (CHEMICON), rabbit anti-goat IgG peroxidase conjugate (Sigma), and goat anti-mouse IgG peroxidase conjugate (Sigma).
  • the blots were developed by enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL). Coimmunoprecipitation was done according to a protocol from BD-Pharmingen. Purified CD4+ splenocytes (2 ⁇ 107) were lysed in immunoprecipitation buffer (1% (weight/volume) Triton X-100, 150 mM NaCl, 10 mM Tris, pH 7.4, 1 mM EDTA, 1 mM EGTA, pH 8.0, 0.2 mM sodium orthovanadate, 0.5% (weight/volume) Igepal and protease inhibitor ‘cocktail’ (Roche)).
  • immunoprecipitation buffer 1% (weight/volume) Triton X-100, 150 mM NaCl, 10 mM Tris, pH 7.4, 1 mM EDTA, 1 mM EGTA, pH 8.0, 0.2 mM sodium orthovanadate, 0.5% (weight/volume) Igepal and protease inhibitor ‘cocktail’ (Roche
  • Cell lysates were pre-cleared with protein G-agarose beads (Roche) and then were incubated overnight with 5 ⁇ g mAb to TFE3 (BD-Pharmingen). Immunoprecipitates were collected on protein G-agarose beads and were washed before elution in sample buffer for protein detection as described herein.
  • the spleen IgM anti-SRBC response was assayed 5 days after intraperitoneal administration of 0.5-7.5 ⁇ l SRBC in 200 ⁇ l PBS following the protocol of the Jerne plaque assay (see, for example, Jerne, N.K. et al., “Plaque forming cells: methodology and theory,” Transplant Rev 18, pp. 130-191 (1974), incorporated by reference herein).

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WO2011082281A3 (fr) * 2009-12-31 2012-04-12 Opko Curna, Llc Traitement de maladies liées au substrat 2 du récepteur de l'insuline (irs2) par inhibition du produit de transcription antisens naturel d'irs2 et du facteur de transcription e3 (tfe3)

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WO2010135695A3 (fr) * 2009-05-22 2011-05-12 Curna, Inc. Traitement des maladies liées au facteur de transcription e3 (tfe3) et au substrat récepteur d'insuline 2 (irs2) par inhibition du transcript antisens naturel du tfe3
US20120095079A1 (en) * 2009-05-22 2012-04-19 Opko Curna, Llc Treatment of transcription factor e3 (tfe3) and insulin receptor substrate 2 (irs2) related diseases by inhibition of natural antisense transcript to tfe3
US8895527B2 (en) * 2009-05-22 2014-11-25 Curna, Inc. Treatment of transcription factor E3 (TFE3) and insulin receptor substrate 2(IRS2) related diseases by inhibition of natural antisense transcript to TFE3
WO2011082281A3 (fr) * 2009-12-31 2012-04-12 Opko Curna, Llc Traitement de maladies liées au substrat 2 du récepteur de l'insuline (irs2) par inhibition du produit de transcription antisens naturel d'irs2 et du facteur de transcription e3 (tfe3)

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